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Young People's Theatre's 'Little Mermaid Jr.' opens Feb. 28

Kelda J.L. Pharris kpharris@aberdeennews.com
Aberdeen News

It's surf and turf for Young People's Theatre's next production, Disney's "The Little Mermaid Jr."

"I'm constantly moving, I'm always moving my arms," Aysia Eggena said just before a Sunday rehearsal.

The 14-year-old had her hair an ombre that ended in the color of the deep sea. Perfect for her role as Ursula, the antagonist, to Madi Vetter's Ariel, the protagonist.

As a mermaid, Vetter said she's also in flux on stage, mimicking the rhythms of being underwater as the musical spans both land and sea.

Eggena is elated to be playing Ursula.

"It's been great, this is like my dream role," Eggena said. "She's like me down to a T. She's super sassy all the time, and she's always been my favorite since I was little."

The role as the sea witch is one of the most memorable of Disney movie villains. Young People's Theatre's musical has differences from the animated film, with additional influence from the original Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale.

The show opens Feb. 28 at the Capitol Theatre.

"I can't go into details, but it's pretty epic. I get to bring a lot of my good stuff, my good evil acting," Eggena said.

Vetter will make her community theater debut as Ariel.

"She's really ditzy," Vetter said.

"Is she?" Brian Schultz, director, asked.

"She's in love with someone she saw one time," Vetter said in a deadpan. "On stage, you can be anyone you want. I try to be a mermaid who's fallen in love with someone she can't have."

Vetter, 14, and, Jackson Rott, 12, get to share that fairytale kiss, quintessential to these sorts of tales. Rott plays Prince Eric.

"We were supposed to pull the trigger, saying that the sooner we do it, we'll be more comfortable," Vetter said.

Then the time came, and Rott was still caught by surprise.

"We're doing it now?!" he animated as he reenacted the memory.

The two mimic each other with only slightly nervous giggles.

Rott has come to be a familiar face on Aberdeen stages. His role as the "adventurous scallywag" of a prince marks his fifth year performing. His first show was "Les Miserables."

He's used to the time commitment plays and musicals take. Eggena is home-schooled and has a full-time job, she said. It can get pretty busy.

"But we have this beautiful angel over here who takes our schedules into consideration," Eggena said, pointing to Schultz.

Vetter, a newbie, already seems to have priorities on point.

"I try to balance. I make sure all my stuff is done before play practice," she said. "It's a lot of work, but a lot of fun."

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From left, Peyton Emery as Sebastian, Madi Vetter as Ariel, Jackson Rott as Prince Eric and Anna Moore as Scuttle will star in Disney's "The Little Mermaid Jr." Young People's Theatre's first 2018 production. Show run is Feb. 28-March 4. Courtesy photo
Aysia Eggena’s Ursula is given form with tentacles Kara Sinar, left and Emily Schwab, right. Madi Vetter’s Ariel is captured as Ursula’s minion, Jetsam – Levi Atkins – lurks nearby. Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” is Young People’s Theatre’s first 2018 production. Show run is Feb. 28-March 4. Courtesy photo
King Triton, played by Alex Snell, sits amongst his daughters and court. From left is Ava Rott, Haven Brunes, Cassie Webb, Peyton Emery, Madi Vetterl, Allie Garofalo, Carmen Huber and Sydney Steinbach. Disney's "The Little Mermaid Jr." is Young People's Theatre's first 2018 production. Show run is Feb. 28-March 4. Courtesy photo

What: Young People's Theatre presents Disney's "The Little Mermaid Jr."

When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28-March 3 and 2:30 p.m. March 4.

Where: Capitol Theatre, 415 S. Main St.

Tickets: Advance, $14 for adults, $10 for children. Available online at aberdeencommunitytheatre.com, by phone at 605-725-2697 and at Riddle’s Jewelry in Aberdeen Mall. Tickets $2 more at the door.